Magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) scans are one of the most innovative and useful tools modern medicine has to diagnose and prevent a wide range of potentially life-threatening conditions.  These machines use high power magnetic fields to force the water molecules in the cells of the body to align in perfect sync, which allows doctors to get clear pictures of internal structures without having to resort to dangerous exploratory surgery.

Gadolinium is a colorless, non-radioactive, water-like liquid that doctors inject into patients before the undergo MRI scans.  The gadolinium bonds to abnormal or diseased tissues, and the contrast between these tissues enables doctors to diagnose conditions much easier and faster than they would normally.

Gadolinium has come under recent scrutiny due to the alleged propensity of the chemical to cause serious kidney problems called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, which is sometimes called Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy.

Unfortunately, recent reports from the Danish Medicines Agency indicate that 25 people developed NFD allegedly due to the use of gadolinium.  Of the 25 people affected by NFD, 20 were in Denmark and five in Austria, although there could be far more people suffering from the condition as it can take several months for initial symptoms to develop.  The early warning signs of NFD can include:

• Reddened patches on the skin
• Tightening and swelling of the skin, usually in the extremities
• Thickening of the skin around the joints, which restricts movement
• Skin texture changes one not dissimilar to an orange peel
• Symmetrical skin lesions, commonly on the ankles and thighs
• Hypertension usually precedes skin lesions
• Yellow plaques near the eyes
• Burning, itching, sharp pains in affected areas
• Calcification of muscle, skin, tendons
• Bone pain in the hips and ribs
• Muscle weakness

Perhaps the most dangerous side effect of gadolinium treatment is the alleged propensity of the chemical to cause NFD.  People with weakened kidneys often have trouble coping with treatment, and thus suffer from NFD at much higher rates than others.

If you or someone you know was the victim of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or other side effects of gadolinium, you must consult our defective medical device attorneys immediately.  We are currently investigating the potential causal link between NFD and gadolinium, and although there is limited information about this connection it does appear to have some merit.  Contact our dedicated and experienced defective medical device attorneys today.